Aquila Children's Magazine magnificentMegaMag-92pages | Page 75

Some people think lots of historical figures – including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and Jane Austen – were autistic. They all thought differently from the people around them and focused passionately on their work. Keira, 11, appreciates how being autistic makes her stand out – just like these famous names: ‘One good thing about autism is that you are unique – it makes you different in a good way.’ And that’s what Ravi most wants his friends to know – that being autistic can be a positive thing; that it can mean new ways of looking at things, new ideas, and new experiences. So if you meet somebody with autism, it’s worth taking time to get to know them – what they like and don’t like, what they can and can’t do. The unique ways that autistic people see the world can make them really special friends. the future.’ TV presenter Chris Packham recently made a TV programme about his autism, and explained how his intense interest in wildlife led to his successful career.